This dissertation analyses the role of financial services in an attempt to understand how they might reduce the vulnerability to income risk for women street traders in Durban, South Africa. The street traders are exposed to income risks such as unpredictable markets, high levels of crime and lack of possibilities for business development. The stated hypothesis for this dissertation is that 'good' financial services may help poor individuals and households to better handle income risks and thereby lower the vulnerability to risks and reduce poverty. The access to financial services for the street traders in South Africa is rather limited and commercial banks are only willing to facilitate clients that have collaterals with an economic value. There are thus alternative financial institutions, such as microfinance organisations, that use social collateral like, for example, group-lending and frequent repayment schemes. This dissertation will discuss the use and impact of fmancial services on poverty reduction with a particular focus on a microfinance organisation and savings. The dissertation will consist of a literature review, a theoretical framework and an analysis of the findings from a case study. The literature review discusses the relation between risks, vulnerability, poverty and financial services in order to provide an introduction to the problem behind the stated hypothesis. The theoretical framework describes the cost of an imperfect market, why formal financial institutions fail the poor, solutions to the problem used by informal and microfinance institutions and the impact financial services have on poverty. The case study is based on a qualitative method through focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews with clients in a microfinance organisation. To analyse the differences in saving behaviour and business related issues, the clients are divided into two groups with regards to how long they have been using financial services. One group consists of 'old' clients that have access and use the credit and deposit facilities accessible, and one group of 'new' clients that have just started and still have no access to the services. The findings show that 'old' clients have a higher level of income and more advanced businesses according to skill/capital intensity. Risk related to income and expenditures that the street traders mentioned are sensitive to the state of the economy, unbeneficial stock, weather conditions, seasonal trends, business agreements, crime and trade permits. Regarding savings, the street traders used a wide range of saving alternatives such as insurance schemes, bank accounts, money collectors, rotating credit and saving clubs and cash savings. There were thus a lack of 'good' saving opportunities and even the deposit schemes offered by the microfinance organisation was not used due to lack oftrust and accessibility. Both the 'old' and the 'new' clients were thus aware ofthe need of savings in order to protect themselves for future income and expenditure risks. The main conclusion is that the use of financial services through the microfinance organisation and other institutions may have helped the 'old' clients to develop their businesses and reach a higher income level. There is thus a lack of 'good' financial options for the street traders and their position is still very vulnerable. / Thesis (M.Dev. Studies)-University of Natal,Durban, 2003.

This is a case study about young children's discourses about violence. The young children in this study attend a school that is situated in the suburb of Newlands East, previously restricted to so-called 'Coloured' persons. The area is known for its propensity for violence, and in schools teachers have to deal with many acts of violence on a daily basis. The study is premised on two ideas: one, that from young children's discourse on violence it might be possible to access their experiences, feelings, and fears about violence in schools; and two, young children are important sources of information in trying to understand our social order. The methodology entailed one focus group discussion with a group of Grade Five students. Three boys and seven girls were selected. Selection was based on their ability to express themselves clearly and their willingness to participate voluntarily. All participants were 'Coloured'. The facilitator of the focus group discussion was a Grade Seven student; this was to ensure that the children's responses would not be influenced by the presence of an adult. The findings are organized under two subheadings: what young children say about violence and what they say causes violence. The participants indicated that the following constitute violence: teasing, swearing, name-calling, bullying, betrayals, competitiveness, fighting, jealousy, stealing, hitting, racism, homosexuality, physical abuse and sexual abuse. They have identified the following as causes of violence: teachers, friends, physical characteristics, the home, prefects, rivalry and sexuality. Emergent findings suggest that young children's discourses are markedly different to adult discourses and provide key insights when trying to understand violence in schools from a child's vantage point. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1985.

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / There is no satisfactory statistical record of oral submucous fibrosis in the Republic of South Africa or India. The present prevalence study of OSF among Indians in the municipal area of Durban was planned by the Institute for Biostatistics of the South African Medical Research Council. The sampling consisted of a stratified random survey and the total number of subjects examined was 2 058. They were stratified into the age groups: 10-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65+ years, and into sexes. Each age group included 294 people (147 males and 147 females). From the 29 suburbs included in this survey 147 points were sampled. The number of sampling points was calculated proportional to the population size. At each sampling point one individual of each sex in each age group was selected i.e. 14 individuals at each sampling point.

Bibliography: leaves 168-177. / The study is placed in the context of the development of Environmental Education and the integral role of fieldwork in fulfilling its objectives. The requirements of teachers regarding the use of natural areas for environmental/ecological fieldwork were investigated by means of two surveys which used open-ended questions and numerical rating scales. An exploratory postal survey of school principals was used to investigate the current use of natural areas by schools and the relative importance of constraints upon fieldwork. It was found that, while most White schools made some formal use of natural areas, fewer Asian and Coloured schools did so, and fieldwork amongst Black schools was almost non-existent. Extra curricular fieldwork was primarily a phenomenon in White schools. Constraints varied in importance between schools in different education departments but overall a lack of teacher training in fieldwork was the major constraint. Interviews with a sample of teachers who had used natural areas provided detailed information on their environmental/ecological fieldwork requirements. Three hypotheses relating to factors influencing teacher choice of fieldwork sites were tested. In this regard it was found that certain intrinsic characteristics of natural areas, and the availability of teaching resources (including site-specific training and educational field officers) were important influences. Increasing transport costs, while often a secondary consideration, may increase the future demand for local fieldwork sites. The specific characteristics and facilities required of natural areas were investigated in detail. The study concluded that the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System has considerable potential to meet the environmental fieldwork requirements of schools. Towards this end a set of criteria for selecting appropriate natural areas, and a list of priorities for developing them, were established.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Fashion Design, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of creating shop window displays focussing on a South African identity in the Durban region. The impetus for the study stemmed from the design of the Constitutional Court which features elements of South African culture. This study challenges the contemporary notion of presenting window displays using primarily Western influences and proposes the use of fashion imagery and cultural identity currently dominating South Africa. The study argues against corporate fashion stereotypes and champions a representation of an eclectic multi-cultural South African society. In this respect key theories of identity, culture, and design were explored. A qualitative methodology was conducted utilising interview and observation approaches to obtain data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve local professionals specialising in the fields of art, design, fashion and architecture to obtain their expert opinions. The data was analysed by clustering information into themes to establish the findings. Interview findings revealed that shop window displays should accommodate local imagery appropriate to the South African context. Observing two local production houses, namely Hirt & Carter and Barrows in Durban provided insights for a backdrop creation for the practical component of the study. The practical comprised of producing retail shop installations and a visual catalogue representing findings drawn from the study. The catalogue was used to illustrate the results of investigating a national image and identity that could be intrinsic to window display creation in South African fashion retail shop fronts. / National Research Foundation

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment in compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Fine Art, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / This paper documents and evaluates the use of ceramics as an aesthetic architectural element in Durban from 1914-2012 with special reference to James Hall (1916-2006), Andrew Walford (b.1942) and Jane du Rand (b.1969). These artists were selected because their work demonstrates a wide range of the use of decorative tiles and mosaics as aesthetic elements in Durban architecture over a period of more than fifty years. Reference is made to the historical use of tiles and mosaics as aesthetic architectural elements in Durban from 1914-1955 in order to provide a context to an investigation and evaluation of the contribution of Hall, Walford and du Rand to the use of tiles and mosaics as an aesthetic architectural element in Durban. The paper begins by highlighting the importance of this study, discusses the role of ceramic architectural adornment and defines terminology for the purpose of this research. In addition an explanation of the research methodology used, research questions and literature review is provided. The study is contextualised through an overview of the historical background of the use of ceramics (tiles and mosaics) as an aesthetic element in architecture. The importance of the use of ceramic elements in relation to architecture, as well as the different techniques and methods of production, are highlighted and related to contemporary practice. The overview provides insight into how the use of ceramic elements in the past has influenced the approach of contemporary practice. My contribution to the use of mosaics as an aesthetic architectural element in Durban and my art practice, in the form of an installation titled passage is discussed and evaluated. The paper concludes by noting that the historical use of tiles and mosaics as aesthetic elements in architecture persists in contemporary art practice. However, the methods of tiled mosaic production and tiled mosaic techniques have been revolutionised extensively. It is evident that, the use of ceramics as an aesthetic element in Durban architecture reflects, both a strong European design influence and a distinctive local identity. / Durban University of Technology Postgraduate Development and Support Directorate

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / All manufacturing organizations have plants that require the provision of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supplies in the manufacture of products. The appropriate and effective application of these concepts and principals contribute significantly to the effective and efficient utilization of plant assets and other resources within the manufacturing organization. Components of the supply chain can be outsourced to third parties who with the correct focus, expertise and experience can realise strategic benefits for the manufacturing organization, allowing it to concentrate on activities that are core to its business. It is necessary to determine the organizational buying centre’s attitudes and perceptions to this concept in order to establish an independent third party Maintenance Repair and Operation (MRO) vendor. The area of study is the Durban South area of Kwazulu Natal. Sample units of analysis were selected on a judgemental basis to ensure that different industrial sectors with different outsourcing experiences were represented. Data of a qualitative descriptive nature was collected. The models employed provided a robust and constructive framework and by and large there was consensus between the research findings and the literature. A key recommendation is that a mature and well disciplined environment within organizations and in their relationships with suppliers and collaborators is essential. Key further research is needed in the establishment of current and prospective future commonality of MRO stock items across different manufacturing organizations in the same geographical area.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters in Business Administration--Durban University of Technology, 2009. / The South Africa alcohol industry is one of the most challenging and competitive sectors of the FMCG. With the strong presence of international brands, the local spirits environment is seemingly becoming tough and uncertain, due to products and prices reaching parity. Organisations within this monopolized industry are faced with intense competition and are seeking ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. One of the differentiating factors being considered by the organisation under study is improving its service delivery. The aim of this study is to evaluate customer expectations and perceptions of service quality at Edward Snell & Co Ltd. within the greater Durban area. This report has reviewed current literature and opinions about customer service, and has also reviewed factors such as customer service, service characteristics and its measurement. The report also covers data analysis, data collection, and questionnaire design in the research methodology chapter. The analysis of the results reveals important gap findings amongst the tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy dimensions of service quality. Finally, in order to improve the levels of customer service at Edward Snell & Co Ltd., recommendations such as regular service quality measurements, education of the organisation’s workforce and other general recommendations are included in the study.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Palliative care research in South Africa is at an early stage and there is an increasing need to develop a body of evidence that is relevant to South African conditions. One of the biggest challenges that palliative care in Africa faces is the projected increase in the number of cancer patients in the developing world by 2050, many of whom will need palliative care. There is a concern at present about the integration of oncology and palliative care services in South Africa and whether or not cancer patients are able to access quality palliative care. Palliative care plays an important role in improving quality of life for people and family members affected by life-threatening illness. It pursues its goal by relieving pain and other distressing symptoms in cancer patients and giving psychosocial support to patients and their families. It should begin at diagnosis and continue throughout treatment, follow-up care, and at the end of life in addition to the cancer treatment which is given Aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess the integration of palliative care in the caring of cancer patients in the selected oncology clinics in the eThekwini district in KZN. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to guide this study. The study was participative in nature and employed a focus group methodology. The participants in this study were professional nurses who were working at the selected sites in the public urban oncology clinics for more than three months. Two focus groups were conducted within one month of each other at selected oncology sites with participation from 16 oncology nurses. Findings Findings indicated that most participants understood palliative care as end of life care when a patient is beyond curative treatment and that it is often the doctor who determines eligibility. Participants also perceived palliative care in terms of different types of medical treatment. The findings indicated nurses only contacted hospices when the patient was at the last stage of their illness, were often not aware of all the hospices in the area, and acknowledged that communication between the oncology clinics and hospices was not good. Some nurses believed that palliative care is also provided in the oncology clinic and that it is not only the hospices that provide palliative care. Only one oncology nurse who participated in the study mentioned that she is trained in palliative care, but they all showed interest in becoming more knowledgeable in this area and improving relationships between oncology clinics and the palliative care team/hospices.